Homeschooling 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Parents

So you’re thinking about homeschooling? Whether you're exploring options for the first time or feeling called to take your child’s education into your own hands, you're in the right place.

Homeschooling can feel overwhelming at first—but it doesn’t have to be. This post will walk you through the basics: understanding legal requirements, discovering your child's learning style, and setting up a daily routine that actually works for your family.

Let’s take it step by step

What Is Homeschooling, Really?

Homeschooling is simply an alternative way to educate your child outside of a traditional school setting. You don’t have to be a certified teacher or recreate a classroom in your living room.

You have the freedom and flexibility to tailor your child’s education to fit their unique pace, interests, and needs. That’s one of the biggest perks.

Building memories and relationships with your children that will last a lifetime.

Step 1: Know the Legal Requirements

Before you dive in, it’s important to understand your state’s homeschool laws. These can vary widely depending on where you live. Go to HSLDA.org (Advocates for Homeschooling) to find specific legal guidelines in your area.  

Here are a few common requirements you may encounter:

• Filing a notice of intent to homeschool

• Keeping attendance records or a portfolio of student work

• Submitting to standardized testing or yearly evaluations

• Withdrawing from your local school officially

Step 2: Discover Your Child’s Learning Style

Every child learns differently—and homeschooling gives you the freedom to support their strengths.

Here are a few common learning styles:

• Visual learners absorb information through images, charts, and colors

• Auditory learners thrive with listening, music, and discussion

• Kinesthetic (hands-on) learners learn best by doing and moving

• Reading/writing learners love textbooks, lists, and journaling

Understanding your child’s learning style can make homeschooling so much easier and way more enjoyable. Here’s a more in-depth explanation of the four main learning styles—plus examples to help you spot which one fits your child best.

Give Independent Time

Sometimes we can get so caught up on the list of things to do for the day that we don’t have room for independent time through out the day. Plan some time for your child’s day for some independent activities. This builds creativity and independence.

🎨 Visual Learners

"I see it, I get it."

✅ How they learn:

Visual learners understand and remember information better when it’s presented through images, diagrams, and color. They often think in pictures and enjoy watching demonstrations.

💡 Common traits:

• Enjoys drawing or doodling

• Notices small visual details

• Likes color-coding and charts

• Remembers faces better than names

📚 Examples of what works:

• Colorful posters and infographics

• Mind maps and graphic organizers

• Educational videos or animations

• Flashcards with pictures

• Illustrated books

• Charts, timelines, and diagrams

🎧 Auditory Learners

"I hear it, I remember it."

✅ How they learn:

Auditory learners absorb information best when they hear it. They enjoy listening, repeating things out loud, and engaging in conversations or storytelling.

💡 Common traits:

• Likes music or talking things out

• Often sings, hums, or makes up rhymes

• Enjoys group discussions

• May talk to themselves while working

📚 Examples of what works:

• Read-alouds and audiobooks

• Singing songs or rhymes to remember facts

• Podcasts or educational YouTube videos with narration

• Verbal instructions and storytelling

• Repeating things out loud or teaching others verbally

• Using rhythm or music to memorize concepts (like skip counting)

Your Children Are Never Too Old

Read books with your children no matter their age. Not only does it expand their vocabulary, it can also lead to great discussions. I love the different connections my daughter makes on the different books we read together.

👐  Hands-On (Kinesthetic) Learners

"Let me do it."

✅ How they learn:

Kinesthetic learners need to move, touch, and do in order to understand and remember. They thrive when learning is active, physical, or involves real-world experiences.

💡 Common traits:

• Always on the move or fidgeting

• Loves building, creating, or exploring

• Struggles to sit still for long periods

• Learns best by trying things themselves

📚 Examples of what works:

• Science experiments and hands-on projects

• Math manipulatives (blocks, beads, etc.)

• Educational games or scavenger hunts

• Building models with LEGO or craft supplies

• Writing letters in sand, shaving cream, or using playdough

• Learning through dance, role-play, or acting things out

📖 Reading/Writing Learners

"Let me read it or write it down."

✅ How they learn:

These learners process information best through words—both reading and writing. They love lists, written instructions, and expressing themselves through writing.

💡 Common traits:

• Loves reading and writing stories

• Keeps a journal or makes lists

• Asks for written instructions

• Enjoys researching or looking things up

📚 Examples of what works:

• Workbooks and printable worksheets

• Writing reports, summaries, or creative stories

• Note-taking, journaling, or creating lists

• Independent reading time

• Using a written schedule or planner

• Vocabulary lists and grammar exercises

Remember:

Most kids aren’t just one learning style—they’re a mix! But usually, one or two stand out. The key is to start with their natural strengths and sprinkle in a little variety to keep things fun and engaging.

3. Setting Up a Daily Routine

Your homeschool schedule doesn’t have to run from 8 to 3 like a traditional school day. In fact, many homeschoolers find that 2–4 hours of focused learning is plenty—especially for younger children.

Here’s how to create a routine that works:

Sample Morning Routine:

• 9:00 AM – Morning routine & breakfast

• 9:30 AM – Math or Language Arts (core subjects first)

• 10:30 AM – Short break or snack

• 11:00 AM – Science or Social Studies

• 12:00 PM – Creative time (art, music, nature walk, etc.)

Keep it flexible. Life happens—and one of the beauties of homeschooling is being able to adapt when needed.

Be Patient

Finding a schedule that works for your family may take some time and some trial & error. Be patient with yourself.

Click here for guidance to create a homeschooling schedule that actually works for your family.

Bonus Tips for Getting Started:

• Start small. You don’t need a full year’s plan on day one.

• Use what you have. Your kitchen table can be a classroom, and your backyard a science lab.

• Stay connected. Join a homeschool group online or locally for support and encouragement.

• Take breaks. Homeschool burnout is real. Give yourself and your child time to adjust.

You’ve Got This!

Homeschooling isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. It’s about showing up for your child, learning alongside them, and making the journey your own.

Whether you’re here for a season or a lifestyle, you’re already doing something incredible by exploring this path.

Need help figuring out curriculum or setting up your first week? Drop a comment or reach out—I’d love to help!

Related posts:

Top 4 Benefits to Homeschooling

How to Create a Daily Homeschool Schedule That Works for Your Family.